Kerala, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is also becoming a hotspot for innovative startups making a mark on various industries. From travel tech to ed-tech and agri-tech, these startups showcase the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to driving positive change. Let’s take a closer look at Kerala’s top 10 startups that are redefining the future:
1. Strava Technologies: Pioneering Space Technology and Cyber Defence
Founded by Jancy Jose in 2014, Thiruvananthapuram-based Strava Technologies stands out as Kerala’s first space technology startup and the first fully women-owned Private Limited company in the IT sector in the state. The company’s flagship product, ‘Cyber Monkey,’ is a revolutionary geospatial intelligence system, while Strava Cyber Labs provides cutting-edge cyber defence solutions.
2. Genrobotics: Eliminating Manual Scavenging with ‘Bandicoot’
Based in Thiruvananthapuram, Genrobotics aims to eradicate the inhumane practice of manual scavenging. Co-founded by Arun George, Nikhil NP, Rashid Bin Abdulla, and Vimal Govind MK in 2015, the startup’s pneumatic-powered and remote-controlled robot, ‘Bandicoot,’ effectively removes sewage in maintenance holes, offering a safer and more dignified solution.
3. Nava Design & Innovation: Revolutionizing Coconut Farming with SAPER
Kochi-based Nava Design & Innovation is a National Startup Award-winning agri-tech startup. Founded by Charles Vijay Varghese in 2016, the company has developed SAPER, the world’s first coconut sap-tapping robot. This innovative technology streamlines coconut farming and enhances productivity for farmers.
4. Dr Jackfruit: Organizing Kerala’s Snack Market with ‘Beyond Snack’
Manas Madhu founded Dr Jackfruit, disrupting Kerala’s banana and jackfruit chips market. By creating its brand, ‘Beyond Snack,’ and offering different flavoured banana and jackfruit chips, the startup adds a modern touch to traditional snacks and expands its customer base.
5. Sastra Robotics: Creating Human-Like Automated Solutions
Kochi-based Sastra Robotics, founded by Aronin P, Akhil A, and Achu Wilson in 2012, is dedicated to designing robotic solutions for human-like automated functions. Their product range includes a robot arm for touchscreen testing and an intelligent telepresence robot, bringing automation to various industries.
6. Entri: Empowering Government Job Aspirants with Local Language EdTech
Founded by Mohammed Hisamuddin and Rahul Ramesh in 2017, Kochi-based Entri is an ed-tech startup providing tailored courses and study materials for regional competitive exams. Their coaching covers 65 government exams and over 135 courses in regional languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
7. Agrima Infotech: Revolutionizing Cooking with AI-Powered RecipeBook
Kochi-based Agrima Infotech, founded by Nikhil Dharman, Anoop Balakrishnan, and Arun Ravi, has harnessed the power of AI to develop their app called RecipeBook. The app offers a vast catalogue of recipes and features like ‘Shake n Make’ and ‘Snap n Cook,’ where users can scan food items they have at hand and receive a list of possible dishes they can prepare.
8. Infusory Future Tech Labs: Augmented Reality for the Classroom
In Thrissur, Infusory Future Tech Labs is an AR/VR startup that began its journey by designing AR/VR-based products for various industries. Their flagship product, TutAR, is a next-gen reality classroom that allows teachers to stream content through conferencing software, interact with augmented objects, and share unique videos on social media.
9. Desintox: Redefining Accessibility for Differently-Abled People
Thrissur-based Desintox, founded by Don Paul and Sooraj Chandran, specializes in designing devices for differently-abled individuals. Their products, such as standing wheelchairs, reclining and electric wheelchairs, and patient transfer hoists, promote independence and improved quality of life.
10. Farefirst: Simplifying Travel Bookings for Best Deals
Based in Kannur, Farefirst, founded by Muhammad Jaseel, Vishal Vijay, and Yajnesh Talapady, is a flight and hotel booking startup. The platform aggregates deals from over 100 OTAs and airline sites, enabling users to find the cheapest and best tickets in a single click.
These ten innovative startups from Kerala exemplify the state’s commitment to driving change through technology, human-centric solutions, and a passion for creating a better future. With their groundbreaking products and services, these startups are transforming industries and empowering communities, showcasing the true spirit of Kerala’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As they continue to grow and make their mark globally, the world eagerly anticipates the next wave of innovative solutions from this vibrant state.
